MORE than 5,000 couples have tied the knot in Cumbria over the past two years, new figures show.

Data from Cumbria Registrars also showed that more than 2,300 weddings are already booked in for 2020.

The figures point to new business opportunities for Cumbria’s ever-expanding wedding market, ahead of the Lake District Wedding Fair on February 22/23 at J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal.

The weekend event draws together a variety of bridal venues and suppliers under one roof to meet directly with prospective brides, grooms and their families.

Event organiser Nick Hood said: “It’s clear that bridal business is growing and that means a diverse range of Cumbria’s hospitality businesses could benefit from new customers in search of the ultimate rural wedding destination."